涼しい

• Reading: すずしい
• Romaji: suzushii
• Kanji breakdown: 涼 (ryou/suzu) — cool, refreshing
• Pronunciation: /sɯ.zɯ.ɕiː/

Meaning

Cool; refreshing. Describes a pleasantly cool temperature.

An i-adjective describing a pleasantly cool temperature, especially in contrast to summer heat. Often used to describe autumn weather or shaded areas. Conjugates as 涼しくない (not cool), 涼しかった (was cool). The related verb 涼む (suzumu) means to cool off.

Examples

1. 秋になると涼しくなります。 When fall comes, it gets cool.
2. 木の下は涼しいです。 It's cool under the trees.
3. 今日は風があって涼しいですね。 It's breezy and cool today, isn't it?

Usage Guide

Context: weather, autumn, daily conversation

Tone: positive

Origin & History

The kanji 涼 combines the water radical 氵 with 京 (capital/tall), suggesting the refreshing coolness of water or elevated places.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal